Ranking the Reds top 10 rookie performers from the 2023 season

5. Fernando Cruz, Reds rookie pitcher

If there's one player who doesn't get enough love from the Cincinnati Reds fanbase, it's Fernando Cruz. Yes, it's difficult to think of a player who's over the age of 30 being a rookie, but that's technically true when it comes to Cruz. Cruz made his major league debut last September after years in the independent leagues.

The Reds reliever bailed the starting rotation out of so many jams this season. While Reds fans were irrate with Cruz after his first performance of the season on Opening Day, the right-hander slowly won back their affections by dominating opponents over the second-half of the season.

With Alexis Diaz, Ian Gibaut, and Lucas Sims being absolutely gassed following the All-Star break, Cruz's stint on the IL midway through his rookie campaign allowed the right-hander to get a much-needed break.

Over the second-half of the 2023 season, there may not have been a more reliable reliever on the Cincinanti Reds roster than Fernando Cruz. Along with Diaz, Gibaut, Sims, Tejay Antone, and Daniel Duarte, the Reds would seem to have six of their eight bullpen spots already covered for the 2024 season.